Ashburton North - Strategic Industrial Area

In 2008, the Western Australian Government resolved that a new hydrocarbon processing precinct should be developed to derive maximum benefit from substantial gas discoveries off the Pilbara coast near Onslow.

Located 12 kilometres south-west of the town of Onslow, the Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area (ANSIA) is being established as a multi-use precinct to deliver on that commitment.

The ANSIA land use plan includes three larger sites for major gas processing proponents, secondary processing sites, areas for general support industries and supply base operations, a port with common user facilities to be managed by the Pilbara Ports Authority and common user access and infrastructure corridors.

There are two major hydrocarbon projects in the ANSIA; the Wheatstone and Macedon projects, developed and operated by Chevron and BHP Billiton respectively. Construction of the Wheatstone project is underway, while the Macedon domestic gas project has been operating since September 2013.

Two Multi-User Infrastructure Corridors are also planned for the ANSIA to accommodate the various requirements for transportation of products and transmission of utilities. The corridors will also provide access to the Port of Ashburton and connectivity between industries for joint or shared operations.

Alignments and land uses along the eastern corridor have been developed and contain:

the primary road artery through the ANSIA to the port past the Wheatstone and Macedon sites;

general industrial areas; and

workforce accommodation areas.

A planned western corridor will provide an alternative connection through the Strategic Industry Area to the port.

The department is the lead agency for the Ashburton North project. Its primary roles are to negotiate relevant agreements between the State and major project proponents, coordinate land use and planning, land acquisition and tenure processes, and infrastructure provision.

Planning and development for the ANSIA has involved extensive environmental, flora and fauna, and heritage studies that comply with Western Australia’s strict environmental regulations.